15 Endangered Animals in Spain

The Iberian lynx, spur-thighed tortoise, Mediterranean tortoise, black stork, Iberian wolf, European brown bear, bearded vulture, common chameleon—these are just a few examples of animals in danger of extinction in Spain. In recent decades, more than 150 species have been recorded as endangered in this country, and the number continues to grow.

The main threats include habitat destruction, illegal hunting, invasive species, climate change, and human activities such as road construction and intensive farming. Protecting these animals requires both conservation programs and public involvement—for example, supporting habitat restoration, reporting environmental violations, and raising awareness.

Here is a list of 15 of the most threatened animals in Spain, with their common and scientific names, population status, distribution, and main threats.

1. Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

• Status: The world’s most endangered wild cat, and the last big feline surviving naturally in Europe.

• Population: Fewer than 200 individuals a decade ago; thanks to breeding and reintroduction programs, numbers have now increased to around 500.

• Distribution: Mainly in Doñana National Park and Sierra Morena.

• Threats: Habitat loss, rabbit population decline (main prey), road accidents.

2. Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca)

• Global status: Vulnerable worldwide, but critically endangered in Spain.

• Population: Only about 200 individuals remain in the wild.

• Threats: Habitat modification, competition with invasive species, illegal capture for the pet trade.

3. Mediterranean Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

• Distribution: Mediterranean coasts; in Spain found only in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

• Threats: Illegal capture, pesticide use, forest fires.

• Conservation efforts: In 2017, more than 300 tortoises were released in Parc del Garraf, Catalonia.

4. Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)

• Population: Only about 330 individuals remain in Spain.

• Threats: Wetland destruction, habitat fragmentation.

• Global status: Considered “Least Concern” globally, but in Spain its survival is at risk.

5. Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus)

• History: Once regarded as a pest, wolves were heavily hunted in the 1970s with government bounties.

• Population: Around 2,000 wolves today, though hunting is still legal in some regions, causing controversy.

• Threats: Persecution, conflict with livestock farmers, habitat loss.

6. European Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)

• Population: Only about 200 bears remain in Spain, in the Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees.

• Threats: Illegal hunting, poisoning, deforestation, mining, and road or ski resort construction.

7. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)

• Population: Fewer than 300 individuals in Spain, with only about 100 breeding pairs.

• Threats: Electrocution from power lines, poisoning, hunting, habitat loss.

• Note: Plays a vital ecological role by feeding on animal bones.

8. Common Chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon)

• Global distribution: Widespread across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe.

• In Spain: Found mainly in Málaga pine forests, with densities of about 50 individuals per hectare.

• Threat: Restricted range makes it highly vulnerable.

9. El Hierro Giant Lizard (Gallotia simonyi)

• Status: Critically endangered, found only on El Hierro Island (Canary Islands).

• Population: Just a few hundred remain in the wild.

• Threats: Illegal hunting and capture.

• Conservation: Local breeding centers are working to restore populations.

10. Iberian Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)

• Status: Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.

• Population: Only about 50 pairs in the 1960s; now around 400 pairs thanks to conservation programs.

• Threats: Electrocution, decline of rabbit populations (main prey), hunting and persecution.

11. Cantabrian Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus)

• Population: Fewer than 300 individuals remain.

• Threats: Habitat fragmentation, hunting, climate change, loss of mature forests.

• Status: Critically endangered.

12. Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)

• Status: One of the world’s most endangered seals.

• History: Once present on Spain’s coasts, now completely disappeared from the region.

• Survival: Only persists in parts of Greece, Turkey, and Madeira.

• Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, pollution.

13. Iberian Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)

• Type: Semi-aquatic mammal living in clean mountain rivers.

• Threats: River pollution, dams, drought, invasive species.

• Status: Endangered in Spain, with some populations critically reduced.

14. European Mink (Mustela lutreola)

• Status: One of Europe’s most threatened mammals.

• Population in Spain: Very small, confined to northern regions such as Navarra, La Rioja, and the Basque Country.

• Threats: Habitat loss, competition with invasive American mink.

• Conservation: Captive breeding and wetland restoration underway, but recovery is very difficult.

15. Balearic Midwife Toad (Alytes muletensis)

• Status: Endemic to Mallorca, found in mountain streams and rocky habitats.

• Threats: Invasive predators (e.g., ladder snakes), habitat destruction.

• Conservation: Captive breeding and protection of breeding sites.

Other Endangered Species in Spain

Beyond these 15, many more species are in danger, such as:

• Birds: Little bustard, common scoter, white-headed duck, Egyptian vulture.

• Mammals: Common porpoise, Iberian hare, European bat species.

• Reptiles & Amphibians: Montseny newt, Lataste’s viper.

• Marine life: Bluefin tuna, European crayfish, blind squat lobster of Los Jameos.

Sadly, the list grows each year, highlighting the urgency of conservation.

Conclusion
Spain is home to incredible biodiversity, but many species face extinction. From iconic predators like the Iberian lynx and wolf to unique reptiles and amphibians found nowhere else, their survival depends on urgent protection. Habitat restoration, stricter law enforcement, public education, and international cooperation are essential to ensure these animals remain part of Spain’s natural heritage.

animal tags： endangered animals